Ancestors who vanish after a census.

[benny1982]

Hi

As I recently found out, my 3xgreat grandfather Thomas Musgrave emigrated it is best to consider that if you find out an ancestor disappeared after a census and there is no record of a death or anything. Consider that he may have emigrated. If his wife died or something he may have wanted a new start and if he had a daughter or son in another country such as America or Australasia he may have gone to join them.

There must be many of us Brits who had a direct ancestor who emigrated late in life after he or she was widowed.

Thomas went to live with his daughter Elizabeth and is on the 1900 US census aged 72. I am still so pleased that I have proven he emigrated.

Ben

[spison]

Hi Ben,

This is also a very true observation for Australia and I imagine just as likely to the US. When looking through immigration records older members have followed their children here but there are times when I've found the reverse also to be true and the widowed father came first, followed over the next couple of years by his various children and their families.

I have two situations where the first to come paid or worked their own way here (and I've never found their arrival ship) and the following family members came as assisted immigrants. It's always a thrill when the 'Relatives in the Colony' section on the Immigration reels are completed with something more than 'none'.

Jane

[benny1982]

Hi Jane

Now I need to find his death in Pennsylvania after 1900.

Ben